Taipei: The lead stories in major Taiwan dailies on Friday are as follows:

According to Focus Taiwan, the United Daily News reported that Taiwan’s Interior Minister is facing backlash over claims regarding the ‘rapid’ recovery from recent typhoons. The statement has sparked criticism from various quarters, questioning the government’s actual pace and efficiency in response to the natural disasters.

The China Times reported on accusations directed at the Central Election Commission (CEC) for allegedly overinterpreting election and recall laws. This has raised concerns over potential impacts on upcoming electoral processes and the integrity of democratic practices in Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the Liberty Times highlighted predictions from recall groups suggesting that at least 10 legislators from the Kuomintang (KMT) may face ousting. The developments add pressure to the KMT as it navigates internal and external political challenges.

The Economic Daily News shared that Taiwan and the United States are close to finalizing a deal on tariffs. This potential agreement is viewed as a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

In financial news, the Commercial Times reported that short squeezes have propelled the Taiwan Stock Exchange (Taiex) back to the 23,000 mark. This movement in the stock market reflects the dynamic nature of trading activities and investor sentiment.

Lastly, the Taipei Times focused on a French report that underscores the threat posed by China. The report’s insights contribute to ongoing discussions about regional security and geopolitical dynamics involving Taiwan.